Alumni Spotlight - Brandon Uselton

Texarkana native and A&M-Texarkana alumnus Brandon Uselton has memories of breaking his great-grandfather’s computer to fix it again. “It was a Windows 95/98 PC and before the internet was super widespread. I had to ask him to take me to the library to figure it out,” Brandon explained. “I’ve always enjoyed technology and computers.”

At North Heights Junior High, Brandon became a Student Systems Administrator for EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technologies) Lab, continuing the position all through high school at Arkansas High until graduating in 2009. Brandon joined the Army after graduation, continuing a 176-year family tradition of military service, and worked for the Military Intelligence Corps. “I went across the country and got to do lots of fun things. Medically, I was unable to stay in the military as long as I intended. So, I decided to come home and raise my family here.”  

Brandon planned to become a history teacher, but a call changed his course. “My buddy called and said, ‘Hey, the city is hiring an IT guy.’ This was four hours before the application closed. I pulled together a resume and was hired on February 2, 2016.”

That event led to his current decade-long career with the cities of Texarkana, TX, Texarkana, AR, and Texarkana Water Utilities. “I started as help desk technician, then became a mid-level technician, senior systems administrator, IT Manager, and eventually IT Director.”  

Brandon received associates degrees to support and strengthen his credentials through Texarkana College. “I started taking concurrent classes at Arkansas High in 2008, then joined the Army. I was determined to use my veteran’s benefits for my bachelor’s degree, not my associates, so I paid for my associates degrees, all three of them, out of pocket.”

Brandon eventually pursued his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree (now Bachelor of Science in Leadership) through A&M-Texarkana. “I started at TC and got a degree in computer networking and then transferred to A&M-Texarkana. That’s when my veteran’s benefits kicked in. I only had to complete three semesters to graduate. The BAAS program was awesome. I took 12 hours each semester, Fall, Spring, and Summer.”

Brandon appreciates the personal experience he received as an A&M-Texarkana student. “My last semester, both my grandmothers passed away, and I fell behind, working full time and officiating both of their funerals. My professor said, ‘I’ll waive all your assignments this semester, but your final grade will be determined by your capstone paper. If you’re comfortable with that, you can do that.” Brandon knew he could either take her offer or continue with another semester. “I was ready to be done, so I took the deal. I completed the paper over a weekend, wrapping up my final capstone for my BAAS and finished with an A. I was very appreciative of her and the grace she extended.”

Today, Brandon serves as Chief Information Officer for the Cities of Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, AR, and Texarkana Water Utilities. With his leadership role, Brandon had no idea the amount of writing he would be doing and is grateful for the growth of his writing abilities through the BAAS program. “I write policies, resolutions, and occasional ordinances. Being able to clearly articulate my needs and advocate for my own organization has been helpful as a department head.”

Along with his bachelor’s degree, Brandon also earned a renewed sense of accomplishment. “It boosted my confidence. I knew I had the experience, and the credentials to be where I am.”

Brandon is a proud alumnus and is excited to cheer for A&M-Texarkana’s future football team. “I came to campus for the University’s NCAA Division II transition announcement. I’m very excited about rooting for my college’s football team.”

He also believes A&M-Texarkana is becoming one of the largest sources of professionals in the region. “The new Master of Public Administration program (MPA) is great for the city. A&M-Texarkana is also expanding its management information systems (MIS) degree programs, which is great. I look to A&M-Texarkana as a place for my technical people to refine and develop their skills so they can move upward and become stronger leaders.”

Brandon is happily married, recently celebrating 14 years, and father to a 20-year-old stepdaughter and 12-year-old son. The Useltons are members of City Church of Texarkana where he serves on the Leadership Board as treasurer. He’s also on the steering committee for the Texarkana IT Professionals Association. “Right before Christmas I finished writing our by-laws. Hopefully the steering committee will vote to accept them soon and we can file all our paperwork with the secretary of state’s office.”

Brandon recently discovered a new passion, and it’s evident in his cap and card collection. “I told my wife, ‘You can judge my interests by how many hats I own.’ I have two or three Dallas Cowboys hats. I have one Dallas Mavericks hat. I’ve got 23 Texas Rangers hats. In fact, for Halloween I dressed up as a player for our office costume competition. My son and I collect baseball cards together.”

From Chief Information Officer for Texarkana U.S.A. to diehard Texas Rangers fan, at the end of the day, Brandon is a proud A&M-Texarkana alumnus and Texarkana native. “It’s my home and I need to try to make it a little better. It’s important to me.”